How to Prevent Woodpecker Damage to Trees

We've all heard the incessant pecking of a woodpecker off in the distance, but have you ever stopped to think about the long term damage it could do to trees? If it's happening to trees in your yard you may want to consider preventing, or even repairing, the damage. It could mean saving the tree's life. 

Preventing Woodpecker Damage:

• Keep the woodpecker away from the tree using nets, mesh cloth, or humane bird repellents.
• Hang mirrors, or other reflective objects, to scare them away
• Use repetitive loud noises
• Put fake hawks, or other woodpecker predators around the tree

As a homeowner I've come to admire mother nature's gifts so you can imagine my frustration when I awoke one morning to some nasty woodpecker vandalism.  I just want to make sure I can prevent any more damage to my beloved willow tree.

It's not really the woodpecker's fault. They're just looking for food, making a nest, or sometimes they may even be sending out mating calls. It's what happens after the holes have been made that you need to be worried about.

Whatever you do, don't sit on your porch in a rocking chair and try and shoot the woodpeckers. Most species are protected by environmental agencies and you could get in some serious trouble if you kill one.